Concrete construction

ABSTRACT

A CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM UTILIZING A PLURALITY OF COMBINATION COLUMN AND BEAM UNITS OR TREES ASSEMBLABLE SO AS TO DEFINE A CONCRETE BUILDING FRAME FOR THE RECEPTION OF A PLURALITY OF PRE-FORMED CONCRETE SLABS. EACH TREE CONSISTES OF UPPER AND LOWER COLUMN SECTIONS WHICH JOIN AT MID-HEIGHT TO SIMILAR COLUMN SECTIONS ON SUBJACENT AND SUPERJACENT TREES, THE JOINING BEING EFFECTED THROUGH EMBEDDED SPLICE SLEEVES. EACH UPPER COLUMN SECTION IS SPACED ABOVE THE TRANSVERSE TREE BEAM TO WHICH IT IS JOINED FOR THE ACCOMMODIATION OF A SLAB JOINING POUR WHEREBY A POSITIVE INTERLOCK BETWEEN THE BEAM-SUPPORTED SLABS AND THE FRAME UNIT OR TREE IS ACHEIVED.

Oct. 19., 1971 A. A. YEE 3,613,325

CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 10, 1969 3 Sheets-Shoet 1 Alfred 4. Yea

INVI'IN'I'OK.

Oct. 19, 1971 A. A. YEE 3,613,325

I CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 10, 1969 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 F lg; 2,

Alfred A. Yee

IN VIzN'I'OK.

Oct. 19, 1971 A. A. YEE 3,513,325

CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 10, 1969 3 Sheets-Sheet S \u I I /6WAVXV/W/ I 26" x Alfred A. Yes

United States Patent US. Cl. 52-236 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREA construction system utilizing a plurality of combination column andbeam units or trees assemblable so as to define a concrete buildingframe for the reception of a plurality of pre-formed concrete slabs.Each tree consists of upper and lower column sections which join atmid-height to similar column sections on subjacent and supeljacenttrees, the joining being effected through embedded splice sleeves. Eachupper column section is spaced above the transverse tree beam to whichit is joined for the accommodation of a slab joining pour whereby apositive interlock between the beam-supported slabs and the frame unitor tree is achieved.

The instant invention is generally concerned with a concreteconstruction system, and more particularly relates to a system whereinthe building frame, as -well as the floor slabs, are formed of precastunits adapted to interengage and be locked together, utilizing grout andpoured concrete, into a highly rigid concrete structure notwithstandingthe preformed nature of the major components thereof.

A primary object of the instant invention is to provide unique precastcombination column and beam units, referred to as trees, which areassembled so as to define a concrete building or tower frame.

Another significant object of the instant invention resides in theprovision of a concrete construction system wherein preformed frameunits are particularly adapted so as to not only combine with similarunits in forming a concrete frame, but also so as to receive, support,and positively interlock with preformed horizontal concrete slabs forthe formation of floors and ceilings.

A further significant object of the instant invention resides in theprovision of frame units and slabs which are both internally reinforcedand include embedded exposed reinforcing rods particularly oriented soas to receive and be bound by selectively poured concrete at the joiningareas of the various components.

Another object of the instant invention resides in the provision of aconstruction system wherein the construction of a concrete framebuilding can be effected rapidly and continuously, without the delaysnormally encountered in concrete construction, in view of both thepreformed nature of the components utilized and the specificconfigurations of the components wherein a stacking thereof can becontinuously effected while the lower units are being intimately bondedtogether.

Basically, the objects of the instant invention are achieved through theprovision of concrete building frame units consisting of, in theillustrated embodiment, an elongated beam defining, as an integralmember, one complete span and two oppositely extending sectional spans,in conjunction with two upwardly projecting column sections and twodownwardly'projecting column sections. The upper column sections areorientated, through reinforcing rods, in spaced relation above the beamfor the accommodation of a concrete pour utilized in bonding the edgesof a series of slabs supported on the beams. The slabs are bonded bothto each other and to the beam, appropriate projecting reinforcing rodsbeing utilized. The

column sections are in turn joined to adjacent column sections throughthe utilization of embedded splice sleeves.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a partially completed buildingbeing constructed in accordance with the system of the instantinvention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective detail illustrating the variouscomponents of the system;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on aplane passing along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on aplane passing along line 4-4 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the column and beam units ortrees utilized in the system of the instant invention.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, it will be noted thatthe concrete construction system of the instant invention basicallyincludes two types of components, a preformed or precast column and beamunit 10, and a preformed or precast slab 12.

Each of the column and beam units 10, generally referred to as trees,consists of a horizontal beam 14, one or more upper column sections 16,and one or more lower column sections 18. The beam 14, in theillustrated embodiment wherein two upper and lower column sections areprovided, includes a full central section 20 extending between thespaced aligned upper and lower column sections 16 and 18, and a pair ofopposed beam sections 22, each projecting outwardly from one set ofcolumn sections 16 and 18. The beam 14, for the full length thereofthrough the contiuously formed center and two end sections 20 and 22, isprovided with longitudinally extending reinforcing bars 24 which projectlongitudinally beyond the outer ends of the two end partial beamsections 22. The lower column sections 18 extend perpendicularlydownward from the beam 14 and are integrally formed therewith. The uppercolumn sections 16, which align with the lower column sections 18, arepositioned in vertically spaced relation above the top of the beam 14 ata height approximately equal to the thickness of the slabs 12 to be usedin conjunction therewith. These upper column sections 16 are maintainedin vertically spaced relation tothe top of the beam 14, while being atthe same time rigidly joined thereto and forming in effect a single unittherewith, by a series of vertically elongated reinforcing rods 26 whichextend vertically through each pair of aligned column sections 16 and 18and across the intervening space provided between the upper columnsection 16 and the beam 14. These reinforcing rods 26 terminate, at theupper ends thereof, within embedded splice sleeves 28 of the typeillustrated in applicants copending applications Ser. Nos. 740,646 and771,262, respectively filed on June 27, 1968 and Oct. 28, 1968. As anoptional method, for ease in casting the vertical space between theupper column sections 16 and the top of beam 14 can be omitted and thecast extended to the beam 14.

The lower ends of the vertical column rods 26 project a substantialdistance beyond the lower ends of the lower column sections 18 for theinsertion thereof within upwardly opening splice sleeves 28 in the uppercolumn section 16 of a subjacent unit or tree 10. Once inserted therein,as when forming a concrete frame of the type suggested in FIG. 1, anappropriate locking of the sleeve received rods is effected through theutilization of expanding grout within the sleeve, such a joint structurehaving been detailed in applicants above referred to applications.

The trees 10, as will be noted in the drawings, are specificallyutilized to support the slabs 12 which are to be intimately bondedthereto by an appropraite concrete pour 30. Accordingly, each beam 14,along the full length thereof, is provided with a series of embedded andupwardly projecting reinforcing or tie rods 32, normally arranged inpairs and positioned inwardly from the opposed side edges of the beam14. These rods 32, as suggested in FIG. 3, can constitute positioningabutments for the edges of adjacent slabs 12. The rods 32 will be bentat a height sufficient so as to be completely received within the slabjoining pour 30.

Each of the slabs 12 is rectangular, preformed of poured concrete andreinforced by internal reinforcing and/or prestressing rods 34 crossingeach other at right angles and projecting laterally beyond all fouredges of the slab 12.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, it will be apt preciated that thecolumn and beam units or trees are arranged in stacks spaced bothlongitudinally and laterally of each other, the number and arrangementof stacks depending upon the ultimate size and shape of the buildingbeing constructed. The corresponding units 10 in the longitudinallyspaced stacks have the outer ends of the adjoining beam end portions 22spaced from each other a distance sufiicient so as to normally define abay of a width equal to that formed by the adjoining central beamportion 20. The projecting exposed ends of the beam reinforcing rods 24are joined by grout filled splice sleeves of the type detailed in thepreviously referred to copending applications, with the exposed rod endsand associated splice sleeves subsequently being embedded within thejoining pour 30. As an optional method, simple lap splicing of extendedreinforcing bars 24 may be used.

The laterally spaced stacks of units 10 support and are interconnectedby the precast slabs or slab units 12. Each of the slabs 12 is of asize, in one dimension, so as to fit closely between adjacent ones ofthe upwardly projecting column sections 16 lengthwise along the beams14. The slabs 12, at right angles to the column received dimensionthereof, are of a dimension so as to span the distance between theadjacent tree stacks and sufficiently overlap the laterally spaced beams14 so as to firmly seat thereon, note for example FIGS. 2 and 3. Theprojecting ends of the slab rods 34 will, along the beam supported edgesof the slabs 12, lie adjacent and bypass those of the adjoining beamsupported slabs for a reception within the binding concrete pour 30,which also intimately bonds with the corresponding beams 14- through theupwardly projecting rods 32 thereon. Additional longitudinally extendingreinforcing rods 35 can also be provided between the various slab edgesso as to strengthen the joint formed therebetween.

The actual slab and beam interlocking pour utilizes, between adjacentbeam supported slabs 12, the top of the beam 14 itself as the form.However, between the nonbeam supported edges of adjacent slabs 12, forexample the edges indicated by reference numeral 36 in FIG. 2, anappropriate underlying forming deck 38 must be provided which can beconveniently removed after an initial setting of the pour 30. As will bebest appreciated from FIGS. 1 and 2, the pour 30, for any one floor,extends peripherally about each slab, as well as within the verticalspace normally provided between each upper column section 16 and theunderlying beam 14, and the spaced ends of adjacent end beam sections22. The extension of the pour between the spaced beam end sections 22,as will be appreciated, also require the utilization of some minor formwork. Incidentally, it will be noted that the slab rods 34., betweenadjacent unsupported edges 36, cross each other and the rods and form apositive intcrlock with the pour 30 received between the edges 36.

Upon completion of the pour 30, it will be recognized that a positivebinding network has been provided both about the slabs 12 and laterallybetween adjacent stacks throughout the full horizontal extent of eachfloor of the structure. The spacing of each upper column section 16,through the utilization of the vertical reinforcing rods 26, above thecorresponding beam 14 is of significance in that such enables the pour30 to extend continuously therebeneath and positively bind the adjoiningslabs both to each other and to the reinforcing rods of the columnportions of the tree t10.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that a highly uniqueconstruction system has been devised. This system enables the formationof a concrete frame building utilizing preformed or precast sectionswhereby the rate of construction is substantially accelerated. By thesame token, the construction is such so as to provide a highly rigidstructure wherein the components are positively interlocked and formwhat might be considered an integral structure. This is effectedbasically through the utilization of unique column and beam units andslabs. The column portions of the units are vertically locked to eachother through grout containing sleeves. The beam portions of the unitsare similarly interlocked by splice sleeves or lapped splices and aportion of a continuous concrete pour which also functions so as tointerlock the slabs and units and laterally tie the units together. Assuggested in 'FIG. 1, the various components can be assembled throughthe utilization of any appropriate type of lift equipment.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be restored to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A building construction system including a preformed frame unit, saidunit including an elongated beam member and at least two laterallyspaced vertically aligned pairs of column members, said column membersbeing at intermediate points along the beam member and rigidly securedthereto, one member of each pair of column members projecting verticallyabove the beam member, and the second member of each pair of columnmembers projecting vertically below the beam member, each column memberterminating in a free outer end incorporating joining means for alooking to an aligned column member end of an adjacent frame unit, saidjoining means comprising upwardly opening rod receiving splicing sleeveson the upper column member and projecting rods on the lower columnmember selectively receivable within the sleeves of a second frame unitpositioned therebelow, the opposite ends of the beam member includingconnecting means for a locking thereof to end beams of adjacent units,said connecting means comprising outwardly projecting beam membermounted rods, said beam and column members being formed of precastconcrete, said upper column members being orientated in spaced relationabove the beam member, and thus maintained by embedded reinforcing rodsextending into the upper column members and the associated beam member,and spanning the space therebetween, the outer column members beingspaced inwardly from the opposed ends of the beam member a distanceapproximating one-half of the distance between the pairs of columnmembers, whereby upon a connecting of the ends of a pair of beam membersof adjacent units, the adjacent endmost pair of column members, one oneach of the connected beam members, will be spaced a distanceapproximately equal to the distance between the column members of eachunit.

2. A concrete building construction system comprising a plurality ofpreformed frame units assemblable into a building frame, and a pluralityof preformed reinforced concrete slabs supportable on the assembledframe units, each frame unit including an elongated beam member and aplurality of pairs of upper and lower column members secured thereto andprojecting therefrom, the lower column members being integrally formedwith the beam member, the upper column members being vertically alignedwith the. lower column members and positioned in vertically spacedrelation about the beam member, reinforcing means extending through theupper column members, the beam member and the intervening spacetherebetween, thereby maintaining the upper column members connected tothe beam member in spaced relation thereto, said frame units beingarranged in laterally and longitudinally spaced stacks of unitsinterconnected both vertically and horizontally, said slabs extendingbetween the laterally adjacent stacks and having the opposed edgeportions thereon supported on equal height beam members in the laterallyadjacent stacks, poured concrete being utilized to intimately bond theadjacent slabs and frame units, the poured concrete extending throughthe spaced defined by the upwardly spaced upper column members, theendmost pairs of column members being spaced inwardly from the opposedends of the associated beam member a distance approximately one-half thedistance between the pairs of column members, whereby upon a connectingof the ends of beam members of adjacent units, the adjacent endmostpairs of column members, one on each of the connected beam members, willbe spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the distance betweenthe pairs of column members on each unit.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein each column member terminates in a freeouter end incorporating joining means for a locking to an aligned columnend of an adjacent frame unit, said joining means comprising upwardlyopening rod receiving splice sleeves 0n the upper column members, anddownwardly projecting rods on the lower column members receivable withinthe upwardly opening sleeves of a subjacent unit.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the opposed ends of each beam memberinclude connecting means for a locking to the beam member ends ofadjacent units, said connecting means comprising outwardly projectingbeam embedded rods alignable with similar rods projecting from theadjacent beam ends within an intervening space provided between the beamends for reception of the slab and unit joining poured concrete.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,031,044 7/1912 Cowzelman 522593,226,894 1/1966 Burchardt 52252 X 3,287,865 11/1966 Lockman 52--793,466,823 9/1969 Dowling 52236 FOREIGN PATENTS 803,000 1958 GreatBritain 52-283 660,079 1964 Italy 52259 JOHN E. MURTAGH, PrimaryExaminer US. Cl. X.-R.

